Johannes Brahms; Stephan Koncz - Sonatas for Clarinet and Orchestra (Daniel Ottensamer)

Information

Composer: Johannes Brahms; Walter Rabl

• Brahms - Clarinet Sonata in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1 (arr. Stephan Koncz)
• Brahms - Clarinet Sonata in E-Flat Major, Op. 120 No. 2 (arr. Stephan Koncz)
• Rabl - Quartet for Piano, Clarinet, Violin & Cello in E-Flat Major, Op. 1

Daniel Ottensamer, clarinet

Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin

Stephan Koncz, conductor & cello

Christoph Traxler, piano

Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin

Date: 2025

Label: Pentatone

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Daniel Ottensamer presents Brahms’ two legendary clarinet sonatas, reworked for clarinet and orchestra by Stephan Koncz, who also conducts the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin on this recording. Koncz’ orchestrations bring these masterful pieces out of the limited space of chamber music, presenting them in a new symphonic light. The idea to create this very personal album has accompanied them both since their student days, and now the time to turn this vision into reality has finally come. Brahms’ well-known works are accompanied by a hidden gem, Walter Rabl’s clarinet quartet, which won first prize in a prestigious competition, of which Brahms himself served as the head of jury. Pianist Christoph Traxler and Berlin Philharmonic’s first concertmaster Noah Bendix-Balgley join Ottensamer in this performance, while Koncz exchanges his baton for the cello. Combining Brahms and Rabl gives the listener a fascinating view on the rich musical landscape of late nineteenth-century Vienna.

Daniel Ottensamer, born in 1986 in Vienna, is a prominent clarinetist and principal clarinetist of the Vienna Philharmonic. As a soloist, he performs with leading orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Gewandhaus Orchestra, and NHK Symphony, under renowned conductors like Muti, Maazel, and Dudamel. A dedicated chamber musician, he collaborates with artists including Daniel Barenboim and Mischa Maisky. His discography features acclaimed recordings for Sony Classical, including the 7-CD set The Clarinet Trio Anthology. Ottensamer is also a member of Philharmonix, an award-winning crossover ensemble blending classical and popular styles, honored with the 2018 Opus Klassik prize.

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